Zothwane rejects ‘hoodoo’ claims after fourth Pirates defeat

Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane has dismissed suggestions that Orlando Pirates have become a psychological obstacle for his side after a fourth defeat by the Soweto club this season.

The latest loss came in the Carling Knockout quarter-final on Saturday afternoon, when Mpho Padime’s solitary goal gave the Buccaneers a 1-0 victory and secured their place in another semi-final.

Sekhukhune have now failed to score in all four of their meetings with Orlando Pirates this campaign. However, Zothwane said he would only have been concerned if his team were unable to create opportunities against the reigning cup holders.

“I can’t say it’s a hoodoo; one thing I was going to be worried about is if we are not creating chances, but we’re creating chances every time we are playing against Pirates, it will happen that we will score. It’s just unfortunate in the games we have played, the chances we created we didn’t score,” Zothwane told SuperSport TV.

The result represented another disappointment for Babina Noko in a cup competition, but Zothwane was encouraged by the way his players performed against a side he described as highly experienced in knockout football.

“It’s a disappointment because of the performance the players gave, you expected us to go through, but we’re playing against a very, very tough side, experienced side in terms of the cups and they’re defending champions,” he said.

Despite the result, Zothwane felt Sekhukhune had made progress in their approach and energy during the match.

“But in terms of improvement of the team, the way we played, energy, I was very, very happy,” he added.

The coach said the players’ display could provide a foundation for the team, even though elimination naturally left him frustrated.

“We can build up from this one, but disappointment will always be there because we come here to win matches and if you don’t win as a team or coach, you will always be disappointed. But I’m very, very happy with the effort of the players,” Zothwane said.